So we're out of the NCAAs. Out of the 120 or so Division I hoops teams, Syracuse University made it to the Final Four! 'Nuff said.

I wonder how many Syracuse University hoops fans thought there was any chance for us to get to the Final Four back in November. Remember, we had only one returning starter, Brandon Triche. This team improved and improved and played the best "help" defense that I remember any Syracuse team playing in the past. It took a team of individuals playing team basketball to accomplish what we did

It also took, a great coach, one that was called "the best 'in game' coach in college basketball'' by one of the CBS pundits. It takes amazing planning and recruiting to assemble, year after year a quality team. Boeheim must first calculate who, of the present starters, is likely to return next year. Then he must evaluate who of the remaining team will be able to "step up" and play next year. Then he must decide how best to recruit those in the mix of available talent to fill vacancies: who among the uncommitted "lottery pick" players SU has a chance with and what SU coach should recruit each. A daunting task, to say the least, and we are certainly fortunate in Syracuse to have the talents of Jim Boeheim.

I give this bunch and Coach Boeheim kudos for a season well done. Now, on to 2013-14!!

Chuck Reiners
Manlius

Let's have a parade anyway to celebrate team's amazing effort

A request to Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor:

Syracuse and the entire Central New York community are so proud of the SU basketball team for their extraordinary effort in the Final Four and throughout the basketball season. The entire CNY community has been galvanized in their support for their effort. I'm sure if they had squeezed out a few more points Saturday and gone on to win the championship, you would have organized some sort of victory celebration.

I am proposing to you a victory parade/celebration for their amazing effort somewhere along the route of the Connective Corridor (University Avenue from East Genesee Street to Waverly and the campus, perhaps?) to emphasize the connection between the university and the city, celebrate the positive energy they have brought to our community and demonstrate to all CNY residents, especially our youth, that outstanding effort and teamwork are valued and honored in Syracuse, SU and CNY.

Thanks for your consideration.Go Orange!

Ronald Bell
Executive director
Syracuse Shakespeare Festival

There's a winner -- and a loser -- in every contest

To the Editor:

When your team can play in the FinalFour -- that is really something to be proud of!

We said, " Go, SU " -- and they went! They went all the way! Thank you!

But if you believe SU lost, so did every other team -- but one. The bottom line is: Only one team wins.